The Sikh pilgrims return to India via Wagah border after completing their 10-day stay in Pakistan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Indian Sikh pilgrims who traveled to Pakistan to attend the Baisakhi festival returned to India via the Wagah border on Sunday after completing their 10-day stay, with emotional scenes witnessed at the time of departure.
Authorities said a total of 2,238 pilgrims reached the border in special buses. Arrangements including additional immigration counters, medical camps, currency exchange and other facilities have been made to facilitate their return.
Provincial Minority Affairs Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, Evacuee Estate Board Chairman Qamar-uz-Zaman, Shrines Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq and other officials accompanied the pilgrims to the border.
Group leader Sardar Harjeet Singh said the visit to Pakistan was memorable and the pilgrims were returning with a message of peace and brotherhood. One pilgrim, Bibi Amarjeet Kaur, said she arrived with negative perceptions but enjoyed respect and hospitality during her stay.
Another pilgrim, Sardar Surjeet Singh, said Pakistan had set a positive example in its treatment of minorities.
Pilgrims Sardar Gurpreet Singh and Bibi Manpreet Kaur said they were provided with accommodation, transport, security and medical facilities. They added that despite regional tensions, they could freely perform their religious rituals in a peaceful environment.
Several pilgrims became emotional as they departed, saying they would share with others, especially in India, the goodwill they experienced in Pakistan.
ETPB President Qamar-uz-Zaman said serving minorities was a matter of pride and Pakistan was a practical example of interfaith harmony where all religions enjoyed freedom. He said positive feedback from pilgrims would help project a gentle image of the country.
The pilgrims left with smiles and good memories, expressing hope of returning in June to witness the martyrdom anniversary of Guru Arjan Dev Ji and the death anniversary of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
